What is EMDR and What are Its Benefits?

You’ve tried traditional talk therapy. You’ve become a little better but not to the extent you want to be. The self-care steps you take still aren’t quite doing the trick. You’re looking for a more effective way to heal your mind and body connection. You are looking for ways to go further in your healing journey.

The therapies have been tried and you still need more help. You might have heard of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Maybe even your therapist has suggested it as your next step. The problem is, you’re not too sure what this treatment looks like or how it works.

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful form of psychotherapy that is primarily used to treat trauma. However, it can be used to also treat other conditions such as anxiety, depression, and phobias. This therapy was originally created to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of other mental health conditions.

The main objective of EMDR therapy is to help you reprocess memories and feelings that surround a traumatic event. Because, often, when we go through trauma, our brains can’t process and store the information correctly. This, in turn, can cause us to become stuck emotionally and mentally when it comes to the traumatic experience.

How to Prep For EMDR Therapy

There are a few ways to prep for EMDR Therapy as each individual is different and unique, but there are a few key tips that can help you prepare.

Understand the Basic Concept

It is important to have a basic understanding of what EMDR Therapy is and how it works. Understanding the basic concepts of this type of therapy will help you prepare for what is to come and the therapeutic process. This will also give you a greater understanding of if this will be beneficial to you or not.

Talk to Your Therapist About EMDR

Making sure EMDR is a suitable therapy for you is essential, and it’s important to have open discussions with your therapist. If you are not comfortable with the idea of EMDR therapy then this is a good time to discuss alternative treatments with your therapist. Another key point is if your therapist does not think it will benefit you, then it is important to have this conversation and explore other options.

Also, talk with your therapist to make sure they are EMDR certified. This certification ensures that they have been properly trained in the technique and are licensed to practice EMDR therapy. If they are not, do some research or even ask your therapist for some referrals to an EMDR-certified professional.

It’s a Slow Start

When you first start EMDR therapy, it’s important to recognize that the process is slow. It may be difficult to share personal memories and work on reprocessing them, but it’s important to take your time. It’s also important to have a supportive and understanding therapist who will guide you every step of the way.

EMDR also has 8 phases, so it is not a therapy that goes quickly. It is a gradual process, and it is important to be patient. Try to get the most out of the therapy and remember to relax after sessions.

How is EMDR Done?

EMDR therapy is done through a series of 8 phases with a, in our case, certified EMDR therapist in Alpharetta, GA.

Phase One: History and Treatment Planning

This first phase is a discussion between you and your EMDR therapist. This is just about why you are in therapy and how EMDR can best be used for you. The discussion is best to develop a relationship between you and your therapist along with gaining your history and developing a treatment plan. The treatment plan needs the most attention as it sets the pace of therapy and the selection of traumatic events that will be discussed.

Phase Two: Preparation

In phase two, your therapist will explain the process of EMDR therapy is, and the terms along with the expectations they have for you. If you have any concerns or questions they will be addressed. You will then work with your therapist to set specific techniques in place that will help you cope with any emotional disturbance that might come up during the therapy. Sometimes, individuals may need some time in phases one and two to feel comfortable moving forward.

Phase Three: Assessment

The traumatic event that you are wanting to reprocess (that is known as the target event in EMDR) will be identified along with any images, feelings, beliefs, and sensations surrounding the event. An initial baseline measure will also be set.

The next three phases are known as the “reprocessing” phases and involve dual attention bilateral stimulation. This involves the use of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps that help activate the information processing system while keeping you in the present moment.

Phase Four: Desensitization

Bilateral stimulation starts while you are focusing on the traumatic event until the specific measures of distress (SUD) reduce to zero or one if appropriate. During this time, new thoughts, sensations, images, and feelings may emerge during the reprocessing session. This may take more than one session to complete.

Phase Five: Installation

In this phase, you will associate and strengthen a positive belief with your target/traumatic event until it feels completely true to you.

Phase Six: The Body Scan

This phase is when you will be asked to hold in mind your target/traumatic event and your chosen positive belief while scanning your body from head to toe. Any lingering disturbances in the body will be reprocessed.

Phase Seven: Closure

You will begin being assisted in returning to a state of calm in the present moment in this phase. This is whether the reprocessing is complete or not. When the reprocessing of a traumatic event is complete you will feel neutral about it, the positive belief you chose feels completely true, and your body will be clear of disturbance.

Phase Eight: Reevaluation

This phase is how each new session begins after phase seven (reprocessing). You and your therapist will discuss recently reprocessed memories to make sure the distress is still low and that your positive cognition is still strong. This is also when future targets and directions for continued treatment are determined.

What are the Benefits of EMDR?

EMDR has many benefits for individuals who have been struggling to find relief from their traumatic experiences. Whether it is post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression, EMDR can help restore balance and peace. Other benefits can include:

• Improved self-confidence and feelings of self-worth
• A decrease in physical symptoms which may be associated with the traumatic events
• Increased feelings of safety and security
• Improved relationships with others
• Overall improved emotional well-being

EMDR can be a helpful and effective tool for those looking to process their traumatic experiences in a safe and supported environment. It may seem daunting at first, but the results can be life-changing and worth the effort. Your therapist is there to help you every step of the way, and you are in control of the process. Take your time, ask questions, and trust that you are on the path to healing.

Interested in EMDR Therapy in Alpharetta or Milton, GA?

You don’t have to keep hoping other therapies will work. EMDR has many benefits that may help you find relief from your traumatic experiences safely and effectively. Our team of therapists at Wellview Counseling will support you through the journey of EMDR therapy. If you’re interested in starting therapy:

• Contact Wellview Counseling
• Meet with Our Trauma Therapist
• Begin reprocessing your traumatic experiences through EMDR!

Other Therapy Services Offered at Wellview Counseling

You may need other therapy services besides EMDR Therapy. Our therapists at Wellview Counseling understand that with traumatic experiences comes a range of struggles. We offer individual counseling, child counseling, teen counseling, family counseling, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, trauma and PTSD treatment, and therapy for those with a chronic illness. Regardless of the challenge you face, our therapists are here to help. Our office is in Roswell, GA, but we also offer online therapy to anyone in Georgia. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment please feel welcome to reach out to us!

About the Author

Meet Ashley Bobo, MSW, LCSW,  a compassionate and experienced therapist with a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families through life’s ups and downs. For over 20 years, Ashley has been dedicated to helping clients manage anxiety and stress, overcome depression, and improve their relationships. While Ashley does not offer EMDR therapy, she understands the importance of finding the right treatment approach for each individual’s unique needs. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, Ashley can offer guidance and compassionate care to help you navigate life’s challenges. If you want to know more about Ashley and her practice, please visit Wellview Counseling’s website.